decent try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decent try" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge someone's effort, typically when the outcome was not successful but the attempt was commendable. Example: "Although you didn't win the game, it was a decent try, and I'm proud of your effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

General

Aesthetics

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This shortcoming is an honest failing after a decent try.

SEP

To be unique but still decent try shades like canary yellow, maroon, acid green etc. Use decorative items.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Once we were on the front foot, we were going to score some decent tries".

BBC

"It's a decent effort to try to federalize the case," Mr. Perr said of the Republican argument that ignoring the state time limit on ballot replacements usurped the Legislature's role.

The New York Times

Invisible, he says, when they look for a decent home, try to access municipal services or tilt towards a decently paid job.

The Guardian

Premium ranges such as Tesco Finest (on which there are a number of two for £10 offers at the moment) usually deliver, but even the basics such as Sainsbury's House range can provide decent drinking – try the chianti at £4.29 (13% abv) or, better still, Aldi's Henri de Lorgère Macon-Villages 2009 (£4.99; 13% abv) which, frankly, could do duty for a chablis.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After you have attained a decent handstand, try holding a bean bag or beanie baby toy between your feet or knees and popping up to a handstand instead of lunging.

WikiHow

It's about his life as an uber-educated decent Wasp trying to be normal, forever living up to his family tradition, trying to live it down, dealing with its truths and evasions, its troubled place in present.

Forbes

He's a decent bloke trying to do the right thing.

The Guardian

My poor husband, who was a very decent guy, tried as hard as he could to be sympathetic.

The New York Times - Science

There are decent whites trying to transcend it, but affirmative action sometimes isn't fair to whites, either.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decent try" to acknowledge an effort that, while not entirely successful, was still respectable and worthy of recognition. It's especially effective when you want to soften the impact of a failure.

Common error

While "decent try" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in very formal or professional settings where a more sophisticated phrase might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives such as "commendable attempt" or "notable effort".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent try" functions as an adjective-noun phrase, where "decent" modifies the noun "try". It is used to qualify an attempt or effort as being reasonably good or acceptable. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "decent try" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to acknowledge a reasonably good effort, even if unsuccessful. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It's most commonly found in news and general contexts and serves to offer encouragement. While not highly formal, its positive connotation makes it a useful expression in everyday language. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "commendable attempt" or "respectable effort".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good effort

This alternative is a more common and straightforward way to acknowledge someone's effort.

commendable attempt

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the praiseworthiness of the attempt.

respectable effort

This emphasizes the worthiness and respectability of the effort made.

creditable attempt

This highlights that the attempt deserves credit, implying it was reasonably successful or well-executed.

fair attempt

This suggests the effort was adequate or reasonable, though perhaps not exceptional.

reasonable effort

This indicates that the effort was appropriate and sensible in the given circumstances.

honest effort

This stresses the sincerity and genuineness of the effort made, regardless of the outcome.

valiant effort

This emphasizes the courage and determination involved in the attempt, often used when facing difficulties.

notable attempt

This underlines the fact that the attempt is worthy of being noticed or remembered.

strenuous effort

This highlights the intensity and exertion involved in making the attempt.

FAQs

How can I use "decent try" in a sentence?

You can use "decent try" to acknowledge someone's effort, especially when the outcome wasn't successful. For example, "Although you didn't win the game, it was a decent try, and I'm proud of your effort."

What's a more formal alternative to "decent try"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "commendable attempt" or "respectable effort" to convey a similar meaning with greater sophistication.

Is "decent try" suitable for professional communication?

"Decent try" is generally suitable for informal or neutral professional communication. However, for very formal or high-stakes situations, a more polished phrase like "notable attempt" might be preferable.

What does "decent try" imply about the outcome?

"Decent try" suggests that while the effort was good and worthy of recognition, the outcome was likely not entirely successful. It's a way of acknowledging effort even in the face of failure.